HC Deb 26 January 1972 vol 829 cc437-8W
79. Mr. Barnett

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment in arriving at his decision to give consent to the closure of the passenger rail service between Oldham and Rochdale, what consideration he gave to the recommendations of the Transport Users Consultative Committee after its public inquiry, when it stated that there was no way of alleviat- ing the hardship closure of the line would cause; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peyton

The committee's recommendations were fully considered along with all the other relevant factors.

Mr. Meacher

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what improvements in alternative travel services he is making as a result of his decision to agree to the withdrawal of all rail services between Oldham and Rochdale and to the closure of four stations.

Mr. Peyton

The provision of alternative travel facilities here is primarily a matter for the S.E.L.N.E.C. Passenger Transport Executive.

Mr. Joel Barnett

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, before giving his unconditional consent to the closure of the passenger rail service from Oldham to Rochdale, he inquired how many British Rail employees would be made redundant; what answer he received; and what account he took of the effect on unemployment in the area.

Mr. Peyton

I was informed that 26 rail employees would be affected and took this into account together with the heavy financial losses in maintaining the rail service and the capacity of the bus services to replace it. I understand that the British Railways Board can offer alternative employment in most cases within the Manchester area.

Mr. Joel Barnett

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the extent of his own investigation into the costings presented to him by British Rail as to the likely losses from the retention of a passenger rail service from Oldham to Rochdale before he gave his unconditional consent to closure of the line.

Mr. Peyton

All revelant figures were subjected to the normal process of examination and discussion as necessary with the Railways Board.